“It’s my choice,” said Lambert, who kept rookie frontman Jordan Bowery on the bench at Bent’s expense for the 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

“That’s my decision. I’m the man that picks the team and I’m the man that...

“Listen, it’s my choice and I’ve 26, 27 lads that I have to look after. Everybody’s in it together and I need everybody in it together. I know the disappointment when you don’t play, I know I was dropped about five million times.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert

“But that’s the nature of the game. If you could pick everybody you would.”

Bent is contracted to Villa until the summer of 2015.

The club have always maintained that the £24 million goal-getter is not for sale and Lambert insists he remains in his plans.

“Darren’s still part of it but I’ve got 25, 26 guys to take care and think of,” said the manager.

“He’s fine. There’s nothing at all. The most important thing is Aston Villa Football Club.’’

Asked if Bent will be back in the squad against Reading tomorrow, Lambert repeated: “As I said, the most important thing is Aston Villa.”